Joe Root Notches Record 35th Test Century as Pakistan Bowlers Endure Tough Challenge - Multan Test Day 3

Pakistan is hosting England in a three-match Test series, taking place in the historic city of Multan. Day 3 of the Test match has brought some exciting moments and important plays. Here’s a straightforward review of the day’s highlights and key performances.

BazBall Grind

The first session of Day 3 began with much better weather compared to the last two days. Root and Crawley took center stage as England started at 96/1. The partnership between Root and Crawley continued and they reached a stand of 100 runs. The pitch remained similar to the first day with a bit of turn but not much for the bowlers. Root and Crawley continued to make good progress. However, Zak Crawley was dismissed for 78 runs by Shaheen Afridi, giving Pakistan their first breakthrough of the day. Ben Duckett, who had injured his thumb on Day 2, seemed fine as he walked out to bat with Root. England looked comfortable once again as they ended the session by adding 136 runs in just 25 overs, with fifties from Root and Duckett. Despite Pakistan's best bowler of the session, Aameer Jamal, trying hard, his luck ran out as he got Root very close to a dismissal. At the end of the session, England were at 232/2.

Record Session for Joe Root

On Day 3, Session 2, England started with Root and Duckett aiming to build on their partnership. They put up 136 runs for the third wicket before Duckett was dismissed by Aamer Jamal right after lunch. Harry Brook then joined Root, and the two formed a new partnership. Brook played aggressively, while Root held the anchor position. Brook reached his fifty in 49 balls, and on the next ball, Root completed his 35th test century and his 4th consecutive test century. England added 119 runs and lost one wicket in 25 overs, bringing their total to 351/3 at the end of Session 2. 

Pakistan Toil Hard

On Day 3, during the final session, the Baz Ball grind continued as Harry Brook and Joe Root seemed unstoppable, settled in the crease. Meanwhile, the Pakistani bowlers' plans appeared ineffective, and their frustration was evident as the innings progressed. After Root, Harry Brook reached his century, and this is his third consecutive century in Pakistan as well showcasing great form in this format. By the time Brook reached his century, Root had reached 150. On the other side, the Pakistan bowlers struggled to break the partnership, which reached 200 runs in no time. As the day ended, both Root and Brook were unbeaten on 176 and 141, respectively, with a partnership of 243 runs. England finished the day with a score of 492/3 in just 110 overs, trailing by only 64 runs. 

End of Day 3 ( England - 492/3, Joe Root - 176*, Harry Brook - 141*/ Aameer Jamal - 1/78)

As Day 3 comes to a close, England finds itself in a commanding position over Pakistan. The home side will need to devise a solid plan, especially as they can anticipate some assistance from the pitch on Day 4. Fans can look forward to another day of thrilling cricket, as both teams aim to seize the momentum in this closely contested match.